[ childe takes a step off the door to move a little closer to zhongli. ] At least this room will let you be a little closer to home... it's not perfect, but... [ he sets a hand on the plush zhongli keeps moving. ] And I really enjoy your company too, Xiansheng. It's always meant a lot to me. [ ... ] I, ah, ...maybe we could... would you ever consider dating?
...alright. [ he is MUCH CONFUSE. dating shouldn't be this complicated??? right??? m- maybe... ] You can start. [ because he legit has no idea where to begin. ]
I had kind of thought something like that would be an, ah, given? Isn't that just something that happens as a result of liking someone? I don't think I need a contract to tell me to spoil you, and I'd hope you don't need one to know you can spoil me. [ scratches at his cheek. ]
...so this is new for us both then. [ he takes another step closer as he reaches for zhongli's hand. ] How about a promise, then, instead of a contract... at least to start. [ because dating contract has him feeling a touch overwhelmed-! ] I promise to do what I can when I can to make you happy. [ brings his hand to his lips for a kiss. ] ...whether that's buying you stuff, cooking you things, or just smothering you in attention and affection. I just want this to make you happier.
[ he’s no dating expert, so... enjoy the moment of silence, because he’s not sure how to respond. ] Ah, yeah, of course, but... [ somehow this is the most complicated thing he’s dealt with recently. zhongli WHY. ] now it’s official??? [ he legit has no clue. ]
... [ cups zhongli's cheeks and squishes. ] If it'll make you feel better we can make a little contract. Nothing crazy though, alright. The last thing I want to do is face the wrath of the rock. I'm sure you'll find some way to drop a boulder on me should I accidentally misstep.
I do not require a contract. If my word and promise are sufficient, then I will also be content with yours.
[ The last thing either of the need is any boulders from the sky - intentional, accidentally, or provoked. And consider the two of them, any of the three are equally likely. ]
[ but accidental sky boulders could ( and would ) be hilarious. also inevitable. ] ...perhaps if I ever wish to make Xiansheng my bride I'll get a chance to make a contract with him. [ kisses his nose. ] But promises are contracts to me... perhaps a bit less formal, but I do think they have a certain weight to them. [ shuts his eyes. ] ...so from this moment forward Xiansheng is my boyfriend and I am his boyfriend.
Shall we seal it with a kiss? [ so much for not making this like a contract. ]
[ /// ] I just never expected to feel this way... about anybody... s- so you make me feel things, a lot of things, and they’re not bad, they’re good, just kind of confusing, I guess.
...it’s not, it’s not only that. [ how can he say that doesn’t feel like he’s worth loving... that having somebody feel similarly is what’s truly unexpected. ] I don’t know how to put it to words, but it doesn’t really matter. I’m happy, and that’s what counts. You make me happy, Xiansheng.
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[ He sets the plush down, picks it up, tries a different spot. Rinse and repeat. ]
It is very comforting. To have someone warm and familiar nearby. I have never stayed away from Liyue for such an extended period of time.
But it is not just that---
I've always enjoyed your attention. Your company. Selfishly so.
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[ 💡 ]
Oh.
You wish to enter a contract with me?
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1/2
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Perhaps we should just determine the major clauses first.
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This includes gifts and spoiling, though they may not be material in nature.
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Xiansheng, have you ever dated anybody before?
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Never a mortal.
And certainly never one when my duties to Liyue and its people did not overshadow everything.
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Do we not already do that...?
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[ Repeats slowly, as if trying to bring meaning to words he does not understand. ]
Alright.
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Sir! ]
I do not require a contract. If my word and promise are sufficient, then I will also be content with yours.
[ The last thing either of the need is any boulders from the sky - intentional, accidentally, or provoked. And consider the two of them, any of the three are equally likely. ]
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Shall we seal it with a kiss? [ so much for not making this like a contract. ]
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Then we shall settle for the less formal promise.
[ And he reaches forward to cup Childe's face in both palms. ]
Sealed and signed as your preference.
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What you do to me isn’t fair. [ it’s just a joke. ] A kiss then.
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He pauses while still leaning in towards Childe ]
What is not fair exactly?
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[ wat. ]
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Hmmm, yes. I can understand that. My feelings are also rather unexpected and sudden.
[ "Sudden" for someone who has lived for millennia anyway. ]
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Zhongli doesn't even know what to say to that. Is not used to being the inarticulate one.
So. . . ]
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He'll be going in for that kiss now. ]
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